11. Manna issue 95 - Growing as a Family in Evangelism 如宣道家庭的成長
Alvin and Sabrina Leung—Newcastle, UK 英國紐卡索
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
we share our personal experience of serving in the evangelistic ministry
as young parents of a three-year-old daughter and a newborn baby boy.
奉主耶穌基督的聖名，
我們分享自已在宣道事工服事的個人體驗，
作為一對年輕的父母，有三歲的女兒和一位新生的男嬰。
Before marriage,
we were already involved in our local evangelism planning group (EPG),
particularly in Outreach and Events,
which includes planning events such as gospel tea and evangelistic services,
and Follow-up,
which involves setting up truth class curriculums
and supporting truth-seeking friends in different ways.
In the beginning, we joined the EPG work without much thought.
But the more involved we became,
the more we realized how important this work is for the church's growth.
Not only is it the great commission given to us by our Lord Jesus,
but we know that the apostolic church grew in strength and might
because the believers preached wherever they went
(Acts 8:4–8).
As members of the end-time true church,
every part does its share to cause the body to grow
(Eph 4:16).
Because of this, we feel a real sense of responsibility and duty
to fulfill God's instructions.
Furthermore, seeing the church's needs and the lack of human resources in this area
also drive our zeal to do this work.
Our experience in serving God is that the more you do the work,
the more your heart grows towards those matters.
So, even if you are in a new stage of life,
your heart and love for the matters of the church do not change
—as long as you continue to keep God as the priority.
Although there may be new needs to focus on,
such as your relationship with your spouse or parenthood,
you do not develop tunnel vision and only think about your own needs and your family's needs.
結婚前，
我們已經參與了當地的宣道規畫小組（EPG），
特別是向外開拓和活動，
這就包括了策劃很多活動，如福音茶會和佈道會，
和後續的跟進，
亦涉及了安排真理造就班的課程
以不同方式去支持慕道者。
一開始，我們沒有多想就加入了宣道規畫小組（EPG）的工作。
但我們參與得越多，
我們越發了解，這項工作對教會的成長有多麼的重要。
這不只是主耶穌給我們的偉大使命，
而且我們知道，使徒教會的力量和能力能夠增長，
是因為信徒無論走到何處都會傳道
（徒 8：4-8）。
身為末世真教會的信徒，
照著各體的功用彼此相助，便叫身體漸漸增長。
（弗 4：16）。
正因為如此，我們感受到有真正的責任和義務，
來完成神的指示。
此外，看到教會在這方面，有人力資源的需求和缺乏，
也激發了我們的熱心，來參與這項工作。
我們事奉神的經驗是，你聖工做的越多，
你的內心對這些事情的關心就會越高。
所以，即使你正處於人生新的階段，
你對教會事務的關心和愛心就不會改變，
—只要你繼續把神放在第一位。
雖然可能會有新的需求需要注意，
例如您與配偶的關係或親子關係，
您不會形成狹隘的視野，只考慮到自己和家人的需求。
MAKING A RESOLUTION 下決心
Before we got married, we became aware of a trend:
married youths would step back in attending certain church activities and holy work,
which would continue as the family grew.
We resolved before tying the knot
to continue attending fellowships and participating in church works.
We give thanks to God as we are not alone.
Most of our close friends also made this resolution,
and we observed good examples of other married couples doing the same.
Collectively, we were trying to break this trend.
在我們結婚之前，我們就意識到一種趨勢：
結婚青年將不再參與某些教會活動和聖工，
這種情況會持續，隨著家庭的成長。
在結婚前我們就下決定，
會繼續參加團契活動，並且參與教會聖工。
我們感謝神，因為我們並不孤單。
我們大多數親密的朋友也做了這個決定，
我們注意到其他已婚夫婦的好例子也是這樣作。
我們共同努力要打破這種趨勢。
When our family grew, we understood we would face new challenges.
But with good role models around us,
we knew that however difficult it may be,
it would not be impossible to serve Him.
We both shared the mindset that if God had blessed us with children,
it would not make sense to step back from church work.
Instead, we should serve all the more as a family
because children are a blessing and should not be seen as a hindrance to our faith.
However, nurturing and supplementing this mindset with prayer is essential because,
even with the best intentions,
our strength is not enough without God's strength to maintain this heart.
當我們的家庭成長時，我們知道自已將面臨新的挑戰。
但我們身邊有了好的榜樣，
我們知道，無論事情有多麼的困難，
事奉神都並非不可能。
我們雙方都有相同的想法：如果神祝福我們有了孩子，
退出教會工作將會是不合理的。
相反的，我們應該作為一個家庭更多的服事，
因為子女是一種祝福，不該被認為我們信仰的阻礙。
然而，透過禱告來培養增強這種心態是很重要的，因為，
即使有最好的想法，
若沒有神力量來維持這種心志，自已的力量是不足的。
Sabrina: Before our daughter was born,
I would pray for God to help us and give us the strength
to continue our faith and service to Him after our daughter arrived.
I was worried that no matter how good our intentions were,
the reality could be different when we became parents.
I prayed that God would help me to prioritize Him
because I was worried that my priorities would change
—even during pregnancy,
my mind would be occupied with planning and preparing for the baby's arrival,
so I knew I needed God's power to do this.
Thank God, when there is a willing mind,
He helps us complete the good work
(2 Cor 8:10–12, Phil 1:6).
The key to balancing holy work with having a young child is a heart of willingness.
Where there is a will, God will make the way.
莎賓娜：在我們女兒出生之前，
我會祈求神幫助我們，並給我們力量，
在我們的女兒出生後，能繼續我們的信仰及服事祂。
我很擔心，無論我們的初衷多麼美好，
當我們成為父母之時，實際狀況可能會有所不同。
我求神幫助我能夠以祂為優先，
因為我很擔心自已的優先順序會改變，
—即使是在懷孕的期間，
我的心思會忙於計畫準備寶寶的來到，
所以我知道自已需要神的力量，才能做到這一點。
感謝神，只要有一顆願作的心，
祂會幫助我們完成善工
（林後 8：10-12，腓 1：6）。
能夠平衡聖工及養育小孩的關鍵因素，是要有一顆願作的心。
只要有樂意，神就會開路。
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS 進行調整
That being said, it is not always easy.
Some things have had to give
because of the timings of certain activities.
For example, attending youth fellowships in the evenings with a baby is a struggle.
However, there are certain things that, as a family,
we could not compromise, especially in upholding the Sabbath.
So, we are committed to attending the Friday evening Sabbath service.
When we were child-free, this was relatively easy,
but bringing children to church in the evenings presents its challenges.
Sometimes, our daughter had not napped or was acting up,
and we were tempted to stay home to livestream the service.
However, we know that we need to come before God
to honor the whole Sabbath day
—not just for an hour or two
or when it is convenient for us to do so.
It is a commandment from God and must be upheld
(Deut 5:12).
Therefore, we wanted to instill in our daughter from a young age
that we go to church to keep the Sabbath day.
Even though there have been times
when she was tired or playing up at church,
we can already see that she understands
what the Sabbath is and what we should do on the Sabbath.
We thank God for this and pray she can continue building on this understanding.
話雖如此，事情並不會總是那麼容易。
有些事情不得不放棄，
由於某些活動的時間安排。
例如，晚間帶著嬰兒參加青年團契，是一件很困難的事情。
然而，作為一個家庭，有些事情，
我們不能妥協，尤其是在遵守安息日的事上。
因此，我們致力於參加週五晚上的安息日聚會。
當我們沒有孩子的時候，這相對容易，
但晚上帶孩子去教會就很困難。
有時候，我們的女兒沒有小睡或是想搗亂，
我們很想待在家裡參加線上聚會。
然而，我們知道我們需要來到神面前，
遵守安息日整天，
—而不只是一兩個小時，
或者我們方便時才這樣做。
這是神的誡命，就必須遵守
（申 5：12）。
所以我們從小就想給女兒灌輸，
我們會去教會遵守安息日。
儘管曾經有過幾次，
當她很累了或是在教會玩耍，
我們已經可以看到她明白了，
什麼是安息日，以及我們在安息日應該怎麼作。
我們為此感謝神，並禱告她能在這種理解下繼續增長。
Balancing family life and church life
does require more effort and planning from both parents.
For example, if we intend to be in church for the whole day,
one of us wakes up earlier to prepare the meals
while the other gets our daughter ready
and dressed for breakfast before we leave for church.
Doing this means we can spend a whole day in church,
so losing a bit of sleep does not feel troublesome or burdensome.
A shared calendar is a great tool to help us organize our church work schedules.
We can see each other's workload and meetings
and work around each other's schedules.
Of course, we still discuss our plans for specific days
and try our best to give each other time
to cultivate and attend activities without distractions.
Although we may not be able to participate in as many church activities as before,
it is essential to make the most of what we do attend,
not "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,"
as it allows us to be encouraged and stirred up to do the good work
(Heb 10:24–25).
For example, our local church has a tea break sharing after Sabbath services
where members share about their week.
We have been encouraged by many of the youths
sharing about preaching to their friends and colleagues,
which stirs us up to strive to do the same.
要平衡家庭和教會的生活，
確實需要父母雙方更多的努力和規劃。
例如，如果我們打算一整天都在教會，
我們其中一人要早起準備飲食，
而另一位則在我們出發去教會之前，
為我們的女兒準備吃早餐並穿好衣服。
這樣做代表我們可以一整天在教會，
因此，失去一點睡眠並不會覺得麻煩或是負擔。
共享安排表是幫助我們整理教會工作日程的好工具。
我們可以看到彼此的工作量和會議，
並且根據彼此的日程安排進行工作。
當然，我們仍會討論特定日期的計劃，
並盡力給彼此時間，
可以心無旁騖的靈修及參加活動。
雖然我們可能不能像以前那樣參加那麼多的教會活動，
盡力學習我們所參加的活動是很重要的，
不要“放棄我們自已一起的聚會”，
因為它會讓我們得到鼓勵和激勵去做好善工
（來 10：24-25）。
例如，我們當地教會有安息日聚會後茶點交流，
很多信徒分享他們的一週心得。
我們得到了很多青年的鼓勵，
分享向他們的朋友和同事傳道，
這可以激勵我們努力做同樣的事情。
Alvin: In recent years, I have been involved in the broader works of the EPG.
I have been exposed to other areas related to the ministry,
such as design, literary ministry, training, and encouragement.
There have also been opportunities to serve on a national level,
assisting in the English-speaking national evangelistic services,
which take place online.
The workload may increase, and we may be fatigued,
but we should remember that we serve by the grace of God.
We do not solely look at the results but give thanks for the chance
to sow the seed and participate in the commission.
艾爾文發言：近年來，我參與了 EPG 宣道規畫小組的廣泛工作。
我曾經接觸過與事工相關的其他方面，
例如設計、文宣事工，訓練和鼓勵。
也有機會於全國的層級服事，
協助英語國家的佈道會，
這些活動在網路上進行。
工作量可能會增加，我們可能會很累，
但我們應該記住，我們的服事是靠著神的恩典。
我們不只看結果，更感謝有機會，
可以撒下種子，並參與委託的任務。
Sabrina: We serve God to the best of our abilities,
in the capacity that we have.
I have primarily been involved with follow-up works over the last few years,
which include maintaining contact with the truth-seekers
and building a rapport with them
when we see them in church.
Again, this was easier to do before we had children
as we could take our time to speak with visitors
and give them our undivided attention.
It is a struggle to do this when I am taking care of my daughter,
and I cannot sit with the truth-seeker in the chapel and speak to them.
However, my experience has reminded me of
the importance of working with coworkers to support the truth-seekers.
My coworkers can do more where I am limited, and vice versa.
We do not use our physical limitations as an excuse
but strive to do our best, with what we have,
to serve God and adapt to serving in different ways.
For example,
when I could not accompany the truth-seekers during service or tea break,
I took the opportunity to attend the truth class with them
and be more involved in this aspect of their journey.
With the support of my husband,
who took care of our daughter and all her needs during the truth class,
I could be fully present and worry-free.
It was initially intimidating,
but thank God for the wonderful opportunity
to speak more about the doctrines with our truth-seekers.
莎賓娜：我們盡自已最大的能力服事神，
以自已所擁有的能力。
過去幾年我主要參與跟進工作，
其中就包括與慕道者保持聯繫，
並與他們建立融洽的關係，
當我們在教會裡遇到他們的時候。
同樣，在我們有孩子之前，這件事很容易做到，
因為我們可以花時間與訪客交流，
並給予他們我們全心全意的關心。
當我照顧自已女兒的時候，要做到這件事就很困難了，
我無法與慕道者坐在會堂與他們交談。
但我的經驗提醒我，
與同工一起作工支持慕道者的重要性。
若是我的能力有限，同工就可以花揮更多功能，反之亦然。
我們並不會以自已肉體的限制為藉口，
而是努力以我們所擁有的一切盡力做到最好，
來事奉神，並且調適以不同的方式來事奉。
例如，
當我無法在聚會或茶點時間陪伴慕道者時，
我會藉機和他們一起上真理造就班，
並他們的旅程這方面，更多的參與。
由於丈夫的支持，
在真理造就班上課時，他照顧我們的女兒，並滿足她所有的需求，
我可以全心投入，並且不用擔心。
一開始還有點害怕，
但感謝神給了我這麼好的機會，
可以與我們慕道者多多談論教義。
MAKING BREAKTHROUGHS 取得突破
As we sail through life,
we will inevitably face new challenges and barriers at each stage.
However, we can look toward Jesus,
who always gives us an excellent example to follow.
In John 4:3–4, He left Judea in the south and departed to Galilee in the north.
But He needed to go through Samaria.
It was considered a Gentile land,
and the Jews often traveled around Samaria to avoid going through it.
But Jesus needed to go through Samaria.
Why?
He was determined to break through this barrier to preach to the Gentiles.
While in Sychar, He preached to the Samaritan woman
(Jn 4:5–26).
Even though she put more barriers before Jesus,
He broke through each one.
You're a man, I'm a woman.
You're a Jew, I'm a Samaritan.
You worship in Jerusalem, I worship on this mountain.
Whatever barrier she threw at Jesus,
He was determined to break through it to preach.
We can all learn to have more determination, like our Lord Jesus.
Whatever barriers we face in life,
we can break through them to fulfill the evangelistic ministry committed to all of us.
當我們人生一帆風順時，
每個階段我們都不可避免會面臨新的挑戰和障礙。
然而，我們可以仰望耶穌，
祂總會給我們樹立跟從的好榜樣。
在約翰福音 4 章 3-4 節中，他離開南方的猶太地，前往北方的加利利。
但他需要經過撒瑪利亞。
那被認為是外邦人的土地，
猶太人經常會繞過撒瑪利亞，以避免穿越它。
但耶穌需要經過撒瑪利亞。
為什麼呢？
他決心打破這個障礙向外邦人傳道。
在敘加城的時候，他向撒瑪利亞的婦人傳道
（約 4：5-26）。
儘管她在耶穌面前設立了更多障礙，
祂逐一的突破。
你是男人，我是女人。
你是猶太人，我是撒瑪利亞人。
你在耶路撒冷敬拜，我在這座山敬拜。
無論她向耶穌設下什麼障礙，
祂都決心要突破阻礙去傳道。
我們都可以學習更多的決心，就像我們主耶穌一樣。
無論生活中我們遇到什麼阻礙，
我們可以衝破它們，來完成託付給我們所有人的福音事工。
PREACHING MUST BE THE GOAL 目標必須是傳道
We often forget to preach daily because it is not at the forefront of our minds.
However, if we surround ourselves with like-minded brethren,
talk about the evangelistic ministry more often,
and hear how others preach,
we will naturally preach in our daily lives.
For example, a member shared how they use festive holidays
as an opportunity to talk about their faith.
Simply answering, "No, I don't celebrate," closes the door.
But saying, "I don't celebrate because it's against my faith,"
opens the door to sharing more.
Some may assume that we do not participate in festivals
because of our ethnic or cultural background,
but actually, it is because it is contrary to our faith.
That is the key message we should share with our friends and colleagues.
我們每天常常都忘記傳道，因為它不存在我們的腦海中。
然而，如果我們自已身邊都圍繞著志同道合的弟兄姐妹，
常常討論福音事工，
並且聆聽別人如何傳道，
我們自然會在日常生活中傳道。
例如，有一位信徒分享了他們如何利用假期節日，
作為談論他們信仰的機會。
單純的回答“不，我沒有慶祝”，就關上了門。
但他卻說：“我沒有慶祝，因為這違背了我的信仰”
並且打開大門分享更多的事情。
有些人可能會認為我們不參加節慶活動，
是由於我們種族或文化的背景，
但實際上，這是因為它會違背我們的信仰。
這是才應該是我們與朋友同事分享的重要訊息。
Alvin: We sometimes need to be brave and open our mouths to speak.
We cannot bring others to know Jesus if we do not say anything.
We need not be afraid of how others see us.
When the opportunity arises,
we frankly and openly tell them we believe in Jesus and go to the True Jesus Church.
For example, sometimes, I play football with people who do not know Jesus.
Sometimes, they ask me to play at the weekend,
but this would conflict with the Sabbath or church activities scheduled on Sunday.
I will tell them that I cannot because I have church.
Over time, the more I repeat this,
the more curious they are to find out about the church I attend.
It creates an opportunity to raise awareness of the one true church and Jesus Himself.
艾爾文：我們有時候需要鼓起勇氣，張開嘴說出去。
如果我們什麼都不說，就無法帶領別人認識耶穌。
我們不必害怕別人會如何看待我們。
當機會出現時，
我們坦白公開的告訴他們，我們信耶穌，並且是真耶穌教會。
例如，有時候，我會和不認識耶穌的人一起踢足球。
有時候，他們邀請我週末去踢球，
但這會與安息日或是周日安排的教會活動有衝突。
我會告訴他們我不能去，因為我要去教會。
經過一段時間，我重複這句話很多次，
他們越好奇，想要了解我參加的教會。
這會創造一個機會，來提高大家對獨一真教會和耶穌本身的認知。
Coupled with the consistent Sabbath routine,
we are trying to instill this "no-shame" mindset into our daughter.
Growing up, we often place barriers
—such as feeling "awkward"
—around sharing our faith with non-believers.
Admittedly, this is something we battle with ourselves.
However, we want to ensure that preaching is normal for our daughter
and there is nothing awkward about it.
When she asks if she will see a particular person at church
—a non-believer or someone who does not often go to church
—we encourage her that,
though they will not be there today,
she can invite them to come in the future.
Thank God she is aware it is almost Sabbath
when we pick her up from nursery on a Friday
and that we are going to church.
She has even chastised us
when we forget to switch the car radio off in preparation for the Sabbath.
Her nursery teachers tell us that she informs her friends and carers,
"After nursery, I go to church."
We hope, in these small ways,
she can build up the courage and the practice to preach in her daily life.
再加上一貫的參加安息日的習慣，
我們很努力灌輸這種“不會羞恥”的心態給我們的女兒。
長大後，我們經常設置障礙，
—比如感覺“很尷尬”，
—籠罩著與未信之人分享自已的信仰。
無可否認，這是我們與自己內心爭鬥的情況。
然而，我們希望確保女兒會覺得講道是正常的，
這並沒有什麼好尷尬的。
當她詢問可不可在教會裡向某個人打招呼時，
—一位未信之人或是不常來教會的人，
—我們鼓勵她，
儘管他們今天沒有在場，
她可以邀請他們以後來。
感謝神，她有認知到安息日快到了，
當我們週五從托兒所去接她時，
我們快要去教會了。
她甚至會責罵我們，
當我們忘記關閉汽車收音機好好準備安息日時。
她托兒所的老師告訴我們，她通知了她的朋友和保姆，
“幼兒園放學後，我就要去教會了。”
我們希望透過這些小事，
在日常生活中，她可以鼓起勇氣並養成習慣去傳道。
Undoubtedly, there is a lot more we can do for the evangelistic ministry.
Not only is it related to the salvation of others,
but also our own salvation
since we have been charged to preach to the ends of the world.
If we ignore this commission,
"How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher?"
(Rom 10:14b).
If we take one moment to open our mouths bravely,
the effect could be eternal.
God has put eternity into the hearts of men
(Eccl 3:11),
and we need to help others reach eternity through the wonderful gospel of Jesus.
毫無疑問，我們可以為宣道事工付出更多。
這不僅會關係到別人的得救，
也關係到我們自己的救贖，
因為我們的使命是傳福音到地極。
如果我們忽略這個使命，
“14未曾聽見他，怎能信他呢？
沒有傳道的，怎能聽見呢？”
（羅 10：14b）。
如果我們花一點時間勇敢的張開嘴，
產生的效果將可能是永遠的。
神已將永生植入人心
(傳 3：11),
我們需要透過耶穌奇妙的福音，幫助他人得到永生。
May all glory be unto Christ!
Amen.
願一切榮耀歸予基督！
阿門。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
